Chapter 10
“Your place or mine?”
“Both. You go to your place, and I’ll go to mine.”
Finn
I hope to God she didn’t notice my struggle, my discomfort. But Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, when she moaned around that cookie, my cock was paying attention and didn’t seem to want to let the issue go. Instead, I sat there, imagining the sounds she’d make with my lips around her clit.
Christ, I wasn’t sure I had it in me to behave like a gentleman and not slip back into the tried-and-true methods that have yet to fail me. Until now. She seems impervious to my usual charms.
Today was different though. She didn’t just dismiss me like usual. Maybe Virginia is right about tempering my approach.
Addie’s eyes didn’t hold the same disdain that they had in the past. It was like she appreciated my manners. But, fuck me, when she made the huge comment, it took everything I had and a quick reminder from my cheer squad to bite my tongue.
Much as I would love to get a handle on my situation, I’ve traded a lot of shifts with Jimmy, and I need to go to the pub and work. And shake myself out of this slump I’ve been in.
Maybe Virginia was mistaken about Addie’s interest, though. Aidan is off his tits in love and thinks everyone should fall in line with that. I probably just need to find a lovely someone to help ease my suffering, to take my mind off relationships.
* * *
None of them strike my fancy. Not a single one.
Not a second glance.
Not a twitch.
Nothing.
The only thing that interests me and might possibly occupy my thoughts is another whiskey. I’ve already drunk more than my share tonight. But, as I pour another measure into my glass, the door opens, and finally, there’s a reason to smile.
“Hey. I, um…” She approaches the corner of the bar and nervously looks around. “I brought your container back.” She sets the plastic box on the counter. Nods and turns toward the door.
“Stay for a bit, Addie. Can I get you a drink?”
Any progress I thought I was making with her disintegrates as her spine stiffens, and her shoulders rise until they’re practically lost in the green tresses twisted up at the base of her neck.
“It’s Adelaide.” I can practically hear her molars grinding, but I follow her to the door, like a lamb being led to slaughter.
“What’s wrong with ye, Addie?” Before I realize I’ve done it, my finger is wrapped up in a soft green tendril that’s escaped from the rest. “I like this color. It suits you.”
Her sneakers squeak against the cement floor as she spins. She pulls her head back, releasing her hair from my grasp. “It’s just Adelaide. Nonnegotiable.”
Her head is tilted back, so she can meet my eyes. And glare at me evidently. My eyes dance across her features, taking in her deep-brown eyes and the silver hoop pierced from one nostril to the other. She’s so unique, so different from other girls.
“What? Did you hear me? Nonnegotiable.”
“I heard you, Addie.” I open the door of McBride’s, taking my business outside. Stepping into her, I lean down; she’s ridiculously short. “And everything’s negotiable,” I whisper across her mouth, letting the door swing closed behind us.
Since she doesn’t pull back, I press a kiss to those delicious lips.
Christ, they’re more perfect than I imagined. And, when I sweep my tongue against the seam, she opens for me.
The last thing I want is for her to come to her senses too soon and pull away, so I slide my hands round the sides of her neck. I tilt her head a bit, just enough for me to nip at that plump lower lip that has been haunting my dreams for the past week or so.
Her hands grasp my forearms, and for a moment, I fully expect her to push me off.
But she clings to me instead. So, I deepen the kiss, diving in for more.
Tasting her. Teasing her. Taking my breath away—and, hopefully, hers as well.
There’s a current, sparks, crackling beneath the surface of my skin, and I want nothing more than to take her home.
I want to peel back her layers and lay her bare.
My mind swirls around the things I want to do to her. For her. With her.
So, when she pulls back a little, breaking the kiss, I try to blink my lustful thoughts down.
“I…” Her fingers ghost across her kiss-swollen lips, quivering slightly. “I have to go.”
“You could wait until I’m done and go with me.” I pull her hand and press her fingertips to my lips. Fuck’s sake, what if she says yes?
Her pupils are blown wide, but she shakes her head. “I can’t. I have to go home. There’s some—I just…I have to go.” She takes a wobbly step backward before fumbling in her pocket for her keys. “I’m sorry. I…”
Having her flustered is such a change. I like this.
“Good night, Addie. Sweet dreams.” I shove my hands into the pockets of my jeans, watching to make sure she gets in her car safe. Without even thinking, I throw her the Finn wink.
She’ll be back.
* * *
As I’m cleaning up for the night, Marlee floats through the door and settles herself at the bar.
“Hey, Finny,” she purrs, leaning over the bar and flashing me her tits. “You almost done here?”
I can practically feel her gaze raking up and down my body. And, for the first time ever, it doesn’t have any effect.
I just don’t care.
“Marlee.” I toss her a smile but have no real desire to engage her more than that.
What’s happened? Our time together was spectacular, fucking mind-blowing. A couple of weeks ago, I’d have been looking for a repeat performance—or several. I mean, our evening was great. I was phenomenal, and Marlee certainly had nothing to complain about—repeatedly.
“So, do you already have plans tonight?” Her arms are crossed on the bar top, and with the way she’s leaning over, her tits being pushed up as high as they can go, there’s no awkward eye contact.
“Erm, no.” I could so easily take her home and lose myself in physical pleasure. Making her scream and leaving her with just enough energy to give me a quick blow job before making her come until she passes out. I could, but—
“Your place? Or mine?” She licks her lips while she talks to my dick, her eyes not venturing higher than my belt.
Why? Why does this feel cheap? Why does that bother me now when it never has before? Maybe I’m broken. It’s been weeks since I’ve indulged with someone. In fact, I’m almost positive that Marlee’s the last girl I’ve spent time with like that.
I casually fist a bar rag in both hands in front of me, shielding my poor, uninterested cock from her inspection.
“I think I’m going to pass, yeah…” Think, Finn. I search through the files in my brain for a solid excuse. “I’ve a headache, just going home to sleep.”
Marlee stares at me like I’ve lost my mind before she shrugs and turns, walking out the door.
Maybe I have lost my mind.